Quicksand

Helga follows a careful pattern of behavior when she is about to withdraw from a relationship. Cite any instance in which she does so over the course of the novel, and specify which steps she takes as she approaches her departure.

Helga has a theoretical interest in the well-being of children, such as the Naxos students. What is the nature of the bond she creates with her biological children after her marriage to Pleasant Green?

Frequent allusions are made to sexual attraction over the course of Quicksand. Helga seems to be both interested and frightened of pursuing a sexual relationship with a man. How is this demonstrated in her relationship with any of the male characters with whom she is involved?

Helga, who has suffered from a lack of power and control during her lifetime, initially seeks to control Pleasant Green with her sexuality. What is the outcome of this thinking? Does it afford her happiness?

Consider Helga’s experiences in Harlem, Naxos and Copenhagen. How may these locales be compared? What is the effect that each of them have upon Helga’s life?

Larsen chooses to divide her story into twenty-five individual chapters. What is the impact of this division? Would the novel be more effective with fewer chapters?

James Vayle, Helga’s fiancé at Naxos, appears to still be in love with her when they meet in New York after several years. Clearly, they have widely differing worldviews. Which aspects of Helga’s personality might still attract him? Why?

Although Anne Gray displayed great generosity in sharing her Harlem townhouse with Helga, the protagonist seems untroubled by her brief romantic interlude with Anne’s husband, Robert Anderson. What aspect of Helga’s personality and character allows her to escape feelings of guilt?